Tick Bites: Signs of Tick Paralysis

Topic Overview

The inability to move a part of your body (paralysis) as a
result of a tick bite is a rare problem.
Tick paralysis can be caused by several different
types of ticks in North America. The symptoms of tick paralysis are caused by
the venom secreted from the female tick during feeding.

Symptoms usually start 4 to 7 days after a tick attaches to your
body. Symptoms of tick paralysis include:

Tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling or movement
that starts in your hands or feet.

Trouble swallowing or
talking.

Double vision.

Loss of movement in your
face.

If the tick bite is on the head, symptoms of tick paralysis may
include:

Facial paralysis.

Double vision.

Difficulty
swallowing or talking.

Most cases occur in children. When these symptoms develop, contact
your doctor immediately to arrange for care. Removing the tick may
be all that is needed to stop the release of the venom and control the
symptoms.

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